Posted 09 August, 2026
Lead Process Engineer
Progressive Recruitment
Burton-on-Trent, ENG, GB
Full Time
Job Description
Lead Process Engineer6-Month Contract | Outside IR35Location: Staffordshire (Hybrid Working)Contract Type: 6-Month ContractStart Date: ASAPWorking Pattern: 37.5 hours per weekHybrid Working: 3 days onsite / 2 days remoteThe OpportunityWe are seeking an experienced Lead Process Engineer to join a leading engineering business delivering projects within the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors. This contract role offers the opportunity to take ownership of process engineering activities across the full project lifecycle, from concept and design through to commissioning and start-up.Working as the technical focal point, you will collaborate with customers, project teams and internal stakeholders to develop innovative process solutions while ensuring projects are delivered safely, on time and to the highest quality standards.Key ResponsibilitiesProcess EngineeringLead the development and review of key process engineering deliverables, including:Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs)Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)Mass and Energy BalancesProcess Design Basis DocumentsEquipment Specifications and DatasheetsPerform and validate process calculations, hydraulic calculations, heat transfer calculations and equipment sizing.Provide technical leadership across reactor systems, filtration, drying, mixing and thermal separation technologies.Establish and maintain engineering standards, procedures and best practices.Project DeliveryAct as Lead Process Engineer on multidisciplinary engineering projects.Coordinate activities with mechanical, electrical, automation and project management teams.Ensure engineering deliverables are completed on schedule and within budget.Support design reviews, FATs, SATs, commissioning and start-up activities.Customer & Technical SupportProvide technical support during proposal and tender phases.Participate in customer meetings, workshops and design reviews.Support process optimisation, troubleshooting, debottlenecking and scale-up activities.Develop process solutions utilising specialist process equipment and technologies.Safety & ComplianceLead HAZOPs, risk assessments and process safety reviews.Ensure compliance with applicable engineering standards and regulations.Promote process safety and operational excellence throughout project delivery.Support environmental, health and safety initiatives.Essential ExperienceDegree qualified in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.Significant process engineering experience gained within:Chemical ProcessingPharmaceutical ManufacturingSpecialty ChemicalsProcess Equipment ManufacturingEPC Project EnvironmentsProven experience delivering and leading complex process engineering projects.Strong process design capability and equipment sizing experience.Hands-on experience developing and reviewing PFDs and P&IDs.Strong understanding of:Chemical Reaction EngineeringHeat & Mass TransferFluid FlowSeparation ProcessesFiltration & Drying TechnologiesProcess Safety EngineeringDesired ExperienceStrong general process engineering background.Experience supporting commissioning and start-up activities.Knowledge of batch processing and reaction technologies.Experience with glass-lined equipment, filtration technologies or solid-liquid separation processes.Familiarity with Aspen Plus, Aspen HYSYS, ChemCAD or equivalent simulation software.Knowledge of ATEX, PED, GMP, ASME, API and related industry standards.If you are an experienced Process Engineer or Lead Process Engineer looking for an immediate-start contract role where you can make a significant impact on high-value chemical and pharmaceutical projects, we'd love to hear from you.Please click here to find out more about our Key Information Documents. Please note that the documents provided contain generic information. If we are successful in finding you an assignment, you will receive a Key Information Document which will be specific to the vendor set-up you have chosen and your placement.To find out more about Progressive please visitTPBN1_UKTJ
